A Festive Break in the Rhodopes: Gorna Arda and Momchil's Fortress
For the holidays we head for Gorna Arda - a corner of the Rhodopes where time runs slower and adventure is in no hurry.
Our programme follows an eco-trail past two waterfalls, through the enchanted forest around the spring of one of Bulgaria's longest rivers, and up to the most prominent peak in the region.
Waiting for us as well: home-cooked Rhodope specialities and the legends of the Defender of the Rhodopes, Momchil Yunak.
We stay in a cosy guest house run by local producers, where Rhodope hospitality and Rhodope cooking are the point.
Three days in which the Rhodopes will remind you how wide and unhurried life can be - much like the Rhodope sea of hills that will spread out beneath our feet.
Price Includes / Excludes
Price Includes
- Complete organization and coordination of the program
Tour Itinerary
At first light we set off for the Devin area. The active part of the day begins around 10:30, when we reach the trailhead of the first route of our adventure - the Struilitsa-Kaleto-Lakata eco trail.
Ahead of us is a pleasant, scenic walk taking in two waterfalls and the remains of a medieval fortress. A fine way to warm the legs up without overdoing it. After the walk there is time for a spa and lunch nearby - a little extra unwinding before we push on to the day's final destination.
In the early afternoon we cover the remaining distance to the welcoming guest house in Smilyan where we are staying.
The evening ends with a surprise dinner cooked by our hosts.
The second day is our most active. After a generous home-made breakfast prepared by our hosts, a short transfer takes us to the village of Gorna Arda.
We leave the vehicle behind and head for the source of the Arda river and Ardin Peak.
Today is a day steeped in the deep quiet of Rhodope forests that autumn has already touched with its brushes. Sweeping views towards the surrounding ridges and the Greek side of the Rhodopes, unspoilt spots to rest, and pastoral scenes from the slow, unhurried life of this region will remind us that there is another rhythm beyond the crowded routine of the cities.
In the evening we visit a hospitable Rhodope tavern to enjoy a well-earned round of local specialities.
The last day is given over to panoramic views, culture and history.
After breakfast we pack up and head for the village of Gradat. We leave the transport and take an easy walk up to Momchil's Fortress - one of the chain of Rhodope strongholds that defended the mountain against invasions from the north.
As well as learning more about the history of the fortress and the legendary Momchil Yunak, we get a full 360 panorama: the Snezhanka tower, the Rozhen observatory, and the line of sight to the other fortresses in the system.
We walk back to the transport and eat long and well at a local restaurant before heading back to Sofia.
Important:
Three seasons trekking equipment
Shoes
Suitable shoes for the mountain, according to the weather forecast. High ankle or low shoes. You may wear sneakers to change into at the end of the program
Spare socks
Lighting
Headlamp - An absolute must-have accessory for every mountaineer. It may be necessary for the group to start a trek very early or finish the trek in the dark (force majeure). In these situations, each participant must have a headlamp. We recommend going with a proven brand like Petzl or BlackDiamond
Spare batteries
Backpack
About 40 liters backpack - Quite enough for one or two day hikes.
Backpack cover - in case of rain
Clothing top
Depending on the season and weather conditions
T-shirt or thin thermal base layer - from merino or synthetic. In no case cotton material
Fleece
A down jacket or other jacket with synthetic insulation - a thin down jacket is recommended. Evenings and mornings in the mountains, temperatures are low. No expensive down jacket needed
Wind and water proof jacket
Thin hat and gloves
Buff
Clothing bottom
Depending on the season and weather conditions
Comfortable long pants - in the perfect case with zippers for ventilation
Sun protection
Sunglasses
Summer hat
Sun cream with high protection
Buff with UPF protection
Rain protection
Raincoat
-or-
Waterproof top and bottom
Water and food
Water (1.5 liters)
Food for the trek
Money and documents
Money
ID or passport
Other
First aid kit
Trekking poles
Cancellation Policy:
Чл. 89. (Изм. – ДВ, бр. 37 от 2018 г., в сила от 01.07.2018 г.) (1) Пътуващият има право да прекрати договора за туристически пакет по всяко време преди започването на изпълнението на туристическия пакет. The tourist owes a penalty as follows: